Symptoms
- Buttons don't respond when pressed
- Display frozen on one screen
- Control lock icon showing unexpectedly
- Some buttons work but others don't
Likely causes
- CommonControl lock feature accidentally enabledMany dryers have a child-lock or control-lock feature activated by holding a specific button, which disables the panel.
- CommonControl board temporarily frozen or glitchingLike any electronic device, the control board can freeze and need a power cycle to reset.
- PossibleMoisture or spilled liquid on the control panelLiquid exposure can cause buttons to behave erratically or stop responding.
- PossibleWorn membrane switch under specific buttonsPhysical button membranes can wear out individually while others still work.
- Less commonFailed control boardA more serious board failure can cause widespread unresponsiveness that a reset won't fix.
What to do
- Check your owner's manual for the control lock button combination and try holding it for a few seconds to unlock.
- Unplug the dryer for one full minute, then plug it back in to reset the control board.
- Wipe the control panel gently with a dry cloth in case of any moisture or residue affecting touch sensitivity.
- Test each button individually to see if the problem is isolated to a few buttons or the whole panel.
- Avoid pressing buttons with wet or damp hands, which can affect touch-sensitive panels.
- If specific buttons never respond after a reset, this points to a worn membrane switch under those buttons.
- If the whole panel remains unresponsive after a reset and lock check, have a technician test the control board.
Tools and parts
- Cloth
Dryer control boardSearch: “dryer electronic control board replacement”
When to call a pro
If a power reset and control lock check don't restore button response, have a technician test or replace the control board.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.